Ask MF: Why Can’t I Order a Manual MINI from MINI USA?
Earlier this year we broke the story that MINI would not just eliminate some manual MINI models from the line-up but temporarily stop selling manuals altogether. The production stop began in July and was the result of more stringent emission certifications. More specifically the delay is caused by calibration testing that was to take place late this summer.
MotoringFile sat down with head of MINI USA Communications Andrew Cutler to get insight on this production delay and what it means, and doesn’t mean, for the brand in the US. The short answer is that, despite MINI USA sales being up over the last two months, it’s expected to negatively impact some of MINI’s most core models – the hatch and specifically the JCW hatch.
When Can I Order a Manual MINI?
Over the last few months we’ve heard from a number of you frustrated with the inability to order the car you want and for the lack of info dealers seem to have. The unfortunate truth is that MINI USA (like all of us) is in a holding pattern until the testing has been finished and certified.
When will that be done and manual MINIs be back on lots? Our estimate remains late this fall but we’ve reached out to MINI for further comment. Until then feel free to commiserate in the comments below.
<p>Although there are some fundamentalists of manual box, this one is finally dead, and it’s happy</p>
<p>Regardless of where you stand on the automatic vs. manual discussion, you can not argue with the fact that those that prefer to drive manuals are pretty passionate about it. So passionate, that it may be a make or break factor on whether to buy a specific model or not. (You can put me in this category). When you are talking specifically about MINI you are talking about a brand that has touted freedom of choice and performance, and part of that has been offering the choice of manuals across most of it’s range, even to this day. In a challenging small car market the last thing you want to do is alienate some of your enthusiastic, future customers. Even if that number may be only 10% of total sales I’m sure MINI would not want to send away 10% of future sales for the next 6 months!! Previous posts have indicated manuals may not return until July of 2020 or later. MINI needs to do what they can to get the Manuals back asap. Please!!!!</p>
<p>I am no longer interested in purchasing a new Mini. No manual, fine there are plenty of other choices.</p>
<p>….are there?</p>
<p>Only other choice is a Mustang</p>
<p>There are quite a few good choices in MINI’s market space. Most frequently cited are the VW Golf/GTI or Jetta/GLI. But how about the Subaru WRX/Impreza, Honda Civic Sport/Si/Type R. Hyundai Elantra GT or Veloster, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla SportHatch. There are a fair amount more but these cars listed all could be considered direct or near direct competition for the various MINI models affected by the temporary manual disappearance. I’m a loyal MINI owner and fan but one must be fair and admit that most of the cars listed above are very solid vehicles, and if you are a manual fan, I fear these are the vehicles that MINI sales will bleed over to—Again, MINI please get the manuals back ASAP!!!!</p>
There will be a new manual, just no longer in the CTM All4 & Club, you can still get them in the smaller models.
<p>Mini motoring advisor here for the past 12 years… The information provided to us most recently was that the manual transmission would return around March 2020 production for the small chassis cars, 2 Door Hatch/Convertible, 4 Door hardtop. Then it would return for the larger chassis vehicles, Clubman and Countryman, in July 2020, but ONLY front wheel drive versions. It is most likely that MINI will no longer offer manual transmission combined with all wheel drive going forward, however the door has not completely closed on that as of yet and we can still be hopeful.</p>